Keeping a Christmas tree vibrant isn’t much different than caring for a bouquet of flowers—just water it well. But besides water, here is some expert advice on how to care for a live Christmas tree to try (and some things to skip) to keep your conifer looking fresh and festive.
Christmas Tree Size and Freshness
Egle Aleksanraviciute/Getty ImagesMake sure you have enough room for your live Christmas tree and the presents underneath it!
Pick a tree that’s at least 6 inches shorter than your ceiling. Trees from choose-and-cut farms will last longer than ones from precut lots. Either way, try to look for green, flexible needles.
“Also gently shake the tree,” says Dan Herms, horticulturist and vice president of research and development at the Davey Tree Expert Co. “If a lot of green needles fall off, pass.”
Best Live Tree Varieties to Choose
FatCamera/Getty ImagesTo get a tree that lasts longer—and a memorable family excursion—head to a choose-and-cut farm.
If you want a tree that lasts, Dan recommends balsam and Fraser firs. Avoid Scotch pines and blue spruce, which tend to drop needles more quickly.
Cut the Tree Trunk
Cut half an inch to an inch off the bottom of the trunk. That will get rid of the sap sealing the base, so the tree can better draw up water.
Keep the Room Cool and Avoid Heat
When deciding where to display your tree, avoid areas prone to heat, such as fireplaces and vents. Incandescent Christmas lights will also dry out the needles, so choose your lights wisely.
“Get your tree in its stand with water as soon as you can and keep that room as cool as you can manage,” says florist Althea Wiles, founder of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio in Springdale, Arkansas. “Time is of the essence, and warm, dry air is the enemy of fresh greenery.”
Buy the Right Tree Stand and Water Well
Prioritize stability and water capacity when shopping for a tree stand. Make sure it’s rated for the height and diameter of your tree, and it can hold at least 1 quart of water for every inch of trunk diameter.
Check the water level daily, since trees can drink more than a gallon a day, especially at first, and always keep the base of the trunk submerged to prevent any sap from forming.
“Skip misting, since trees absorb water through the base of the trunk, not the needles,” says Amy McCord, florist and owner of Flower Moxie. Also avoid putting additives in the water, such as soda, aspirin and sugar, which can encourage bacteria growth. Store-bought Christmas tree preservatives are also not necessary.
Repurpose Your Live Tree After Christmas
After the holidays, give your tree new life by repurposing it as a brush-pile wildlife habitat, submerging it in a pond for fish habitat or taking it to the recycler, where it will get chipped into nutrient-rich mulch, Dan says. Cut tree branches can also be used as an excellent winter mulch.
Other Live Christmas Tree Options
neko92vl/shutterstockA Norfolk island pine makes a perfect small Christmas tree.
Eco-friendly alternatives to cut trees include keeping a Norfolk Island pine as a potted houseplant, and root-ball trees, which can be planted after the holidays. Root balls are not for everyone since they’re heavy and finicky to care for.
If you prefer a low-maintenance route, an artificial tree is always a safe bet for long-lasting holiday cheer, Althea says. “Tuck some fresh evergreen branches right into it,” she says. “You’ll get that real-tree smell without the worry, and you can replace branches as they dry out.”
Whether you choose real or artificial, potted or precut, these tips and tricks will help keep the holiday magic alive.
About the Experts
Dan Herms is a horticulturist and vice president of research and development at the Davey Tree Expert Co. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University in entomology with a specialization in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Althea Wiles is the founder and head florist of Rose of Sharon Floral Design Studio in Springdale, Arkansas. She holds an Arkansas master florist certification and has operated Rose of Sharon since 1998.
Amy McCord is a florist and owner of Flower Moxie. She is an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers and a certified floral designer. She has operated Flower Moxie since 2013.
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